Lt. Gov. Jay Collins criticized members of Congress for prioritizing media appearances instead of passing legislation in a social media post this week. The post follows growing speculation on his own run for governor against Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), who is arguably the Republican favorite in the race.
"Let’s face it. Most members of Congress won’t pass a single meaningful bill for their district. So they turn to Fox News or CNN to build name ID… and then run for Governor," Collins wrote.
Collins also noted his record in the Florida Senate as proof of his actions. Collins served in the Florida Senate in District 14 from 2022 to 2025 before his appointment to lieutenant governor.
"My record in the Florida Senate: 100+ bills authored. 50+ passed," Collins emphasized. "Most congressional members: 100+ appearances on TV, 0 bills passed."
The lieutenant governor also responded to a post by Gov. Ron DeSantis on the elimination of H-1 B visas, in which the governor criticized the Republican majority for being unable to get rid of the policy.
The H-1B program allows employers to hire foreign workers temporarily with a bachelor's degree or equivalent to work in specialty occupations, such as IT specialists, engineers, or scientists.
"Deeds, not words," Collins wrote. "Unfortunately for the American people, many in Congress are more focused on being influencers first and legislators second."
Ironically, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL), who's running for Florida governor, was talking about abolishing H1-B visas with popular Conservative commentator Benny Johnson on his show just days ago.
He's also seen hanging out with Johnson in multiple posts before a University of Florida Turning Point USA event last night.
Was this an indirect shot by Collins at Rep. Donalds? Collins has also made several hints at a gubernatorial run in recent weeks on social media, including multiple appearances on various shows and podcasts.
As is typical on social media, the comments drew support from Collins's supporters, including many who want him to run for governor.
"Please announce your bid for governor soon! You are the only one who will keep Florida on the trajectory set up by DeSantis," one X user wrote.
"We are behind you, but you need to declare. Crowd fund if you need to. Be the candidate that doesn't have big donors," another wrote.
But with social media, the post was also criticized by some, including by Rep. Alex Andrade (R-Pensacola), who essentially called the lieutenant governor's current job meaningless.
Rep. Andrade endorsed Donalds for governor in October.
"This guy, @JayCollinsFL, gave up a role as state senator for a job with zero responsibilities as long as @GovRonDeSantis is breathing," Andrade wrote. "It's so useless, the FL Constitution says Cosplay Jay can moonlight at a private day job...nobody would notice. But hey, deeds, not words."
The Florida gubernatorial election is not until November 2026, so there's still plenty of time for drama to unfold. Get your popcorn ready.
